Unfolding bracelet clasp

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an unfolding bracelet clasp, in particular a watch bracelet, formed of two strands (A) and (B), comprising a metal plate ( 10 ) whereof one end is coupled with an articulation ( 11 ) at the bracelet strand (A) free end and a lever ( 12 ) whereof the pin ( 13 ) is mounted at the plate ( 10 ) other end. Said lever ( 12 ) comprises a U-shaped part whereof the legs extend on each side of the bracelet forming at their ends hooks ( 18 ) designed to be urged in engagement, when the bracelet is closed, with the ends of a spring box axle ( 20 ) transversely housed in the bracelet strand (A) at some distance from the articulation ( 11 ) substantially equal to the plate ( 10 ) length. The length of the bracelet is adjusted by a dog point ( 19 ) engaged in a suitable hole of the bracelet strand (B).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of another application filed on Sep. 22, 1999 and carrying Ser. No. 09/381,787.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to furnish an unfolding bracelet clasp, in particular for a watch bracelet.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Background of the Invention Including Prior Art

[0005] The clasps of this type include a rigid or flexible plate, wherein the ends of the plate are articulated in the neighborhoods of the ends of two strands of the bracelet and include means which allows these latter strands to be joined when the clasp is folded.

[0006] The advantage of these clasps relative to those including two plates articulated amongst each other is based on the fact that they are not in contact with the skin, which contact is susceptible to cause skin irritations, feelings of cold, and the like.

[0007] Nevertheless unfolding clasps with one plate which are known furnish, when they are closed, an important inconvenience inherent in the means intended to maintain the two strands fixed one to the other, namely the inconvenience of opening at the wrong moment by a certain pulling, for example accidental pulling, exerted on the two strands of the bracelet.

[0008] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This inconvenience does not exist in the clasp according to the present invention, because a pulling exercised on the two strands of the bracelet has the effect of reinforcing the locking between there ends and thus to convey to the clasp a maximum closing safety.

[0010] The drawing attached hereto represents, schematically and by way of example, an embodiment of the object of the invention.

[0011] The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0012] In the accompanying drawing, in which are shown several of the various possible embodiments of the present invention:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a top planar view, of a bracelet clasp with a stud formed locking element, in the closed position,

[0014]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1,

[0015]FIG. 3 is a view analogous to that of FIG. 2 showing the clasp opened and partially unfolded,

[0016]FIG. 4 is a top planar view of the bracelet clasp with a tongue-formed locking element, in the closed position,

[0017]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 4,

[0018]FIG. 6 is a view analogous to that of FIG. 4 showing the clasp half-opened and partially unfolded.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] The clasp shown is mounted on a watch bracelet formed by two strands A and B.

[0020] The clasp comprises a metal plate 10, showing a longitudinal opening 10′, wherein one end of the metallic plate 10 is hinged by a joint 11 to the free end of the strand A of the bracelet and to a lever 12, wherein the axis 13 of the lever 12 is mounted to the other end of the plate 10.

[0021] This lever 12 comprises a bent piece, formed like a U, where the size of the bent piece corresponds to that of the bracelet. The arm 14 of the bent piece is formed by the base 15 and a pair of two legs 16 of the this piece. The arm 17 of the bent piece is formed at the ends in the shape of hooks 18 of these legs 16.

[0022] The base 15 of the lever 12 is fastened to the strand B with a locking stud 19 in the shape of a mushroom (FIGS. 2 and 3) or with a tongue 30 (FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0023] The clasp comprises further a spring box axle 20 transversely attached to the strand A of the bracelet at an articulation distance 11 substantially equal to the length of the plate 10. The ends of the spring box axles exceed laterally the bracelet and have a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the hook 18.

[0024] The axle 13 and the arm 14 form a buckle which traverses the end of the strand B of the bracelet. The same axle 13 forms a buckle with a tongue 30 if present (FIGS. 5 and 6). The setting of the length of the bracelet is effected by entering the locking stud 19 through pressing (FIG. 3) or the tongue 30 through rotating (FIG. 6) into the appropriate hole of the strand B of the bracelet. During this operation the head of the locking stud 19 moves elastically the walls of the hole apart and springingly, from the side of the plate 10, into a space defined by the opening 10′. The lever 12 is this way joined to the strand B.

[0025] One holds back the assembly formed by the plate 10 and by the free end of the strand B of the bracelet on the strand A of the bracelet for closing the bracelet set in its length by exercising during the time of this motion a pressure with the thumb onto the base 15 in the kind of lightly deforming the strand A and to allow that the hooks 18 engage at the ends of the spring box axle 20. Simultaneously, the free end of the strand is introduced in the strap P.

[0026] With the pressure on the base 15 ending, the strand A reassumes its natural form and the hooks 18 remain engaged with the spring box axle 20 thereby ensuring the closure of the bracelet (FIG. 2).

[0027] In order to open the bracelet, one exits the free end of the strand B from the strap P, then one raises the free end of the strand B which causes the disengagement of the hooks 18 from the spring box axle 20 and allows the unfolding of the clasp.

[0028] In order to fasten the clasp with a locking tongue instead of locking tub (FIG. 6), one pulls and bends the free end of the strand B against the lever base 15 thus allowing the tongue end 30 enter into the appropriate hole of the strand B. Then one rotates the plate 10 with the strand A so that the hooks 18 engage at the ends of the spring box axle 20. The strand B is pulled backwards fixing the tongue end 30 on the clasp base 15. Simultaneously, the free end of the strand is introduced in the strap P. The operations of the tongue fastening and the hooks fixing could be executed in the revert order. In order to open the bracelet with a locking tongue, one exits the free end of the strand B from the strap P, then one pulls and raises the free end of the strand B, which causes the disengagement of the hooks 18 from the spring box axle 20 and the tongue 30 from a hole in the strand B.

[0029] The invention is obviously not limited by the embodiment represented and described above.

[0030] In particular, the closing of the clasp could be obtained by other means than the hooks 18. One could for example give to the free ends of the legs 16 a form such that they could be engaged and maintained in the strap P by preventing the two strands A and B from moving apart one from the other.

[0031] According to another variation one could replace the hooks 18 by a tongue.

[0032] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of system configurations and gas processing procedures differing from the types described above.

[0033] While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in the context of a storage tank for liquefied gases, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0034] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0035] What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

[0036] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of bracelets and fastening systems differing from the types described above.

[0037] While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in the context of an unfolding bracelet clasp, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0038] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. An unfolding bracelet clasp, in particular for a watch bracelet, comprising a set plate (10), wherein the ends of the plate are connected by hinges to the ends of a lower strand (A) and of an upper strand (B); and a lever 12, wherein an axle (13) of the lever (12) forms one of said hinges, wherein one arm (14) offers means (19) allowing to hold the set plate (10) in a folded up position on the upper strand (B), and wherein another arm (17) offers means (18) allowing to fasten said plate (10), thus folded up, to the lower strand (A).
 2. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 1, wherein the said means allowing to fasten said set plate (10) include at least one hook cooperating with an element (20) of the lower strand (A).
 3. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 2, wherein the said element (20) is a spring box axle.
 4. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 2, wherein the said lever (12) is formed by a bent piece of U shape, wherein a base (15) and a part of legs (16) form the said one arm (14), wherein this piece forms a buckle with said axle (13).
 5. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 1, wherein said another arm (17) is formed at its ends in the shape of hooks (18) of legs of the piece of U shape.
 6. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 1, wherein said means (18) allowing to fasten said set plate (10) are arranged in a way to cooperate with a strap of the bracelet.
 7. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 1, wherein said means (18) allowing to fasten said set plate (10) include at tongue.
 8. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 1, wherein the said means (19) allowing to hold the set plate (10) are formed by a locking stud which extends from the base (15) and which is susceptible to engage under pressure in one of several of holes of the bracelet.
 9. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 1, wherein the said means (30) are formed by a locking tongue which can freely rotate around the axle (13) thus engaging in one of several of the holes of the bracelet.
 10. An unfolding bracelet clasp comprising a rigid or elastic set plate (10), wherein the ends of this set plate (10) are connected by hinges (11, 13) to the ends of a lower strand (A) and of an upper strand (B); and a lever 12, wherein an axle (13) of the lever (12) forms a hinge (13), wherein a first arm (14) offers first means (19) allowing to hold the set plate (10) in a folded up position on the upper strand (B), and wherein a second arm (17) offers second means (18) allowing to fasten said plate (10), thus folded up, to the lower strand (A).
 11. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 10, wherein the said means allowing to fasten said set plate (10) include at least one hook cooperating with an element (20) of the lower strand (A).
 12. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 11, wherein the said element (20) is a small bar (20) mounted transversely in the lower strand (A).
 13. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 11, wherein the said lever (12) is formed by a bent piece of U shape, wherein a base (15) and a part of legs (16) form the said first arm (14), wherein this piece forms a buckle with said axle (13).
 14. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 10, wherein said second arm (17) is formed at its ends in the shape of hooks (18) of legs of the piece of U shape.
 15. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 10, wherein said second means (18) allowing to fasten said set plate (10) are formed by a locking stud (19), which extends from the base (15) and which is susceptible to engage under pressure in one of several of holes of the strand (B). arranged in a way to cooperate with a strap of the bracelet.
 16. The unfolding bracelet clasp according to claim 10, wherein the said means (19) allowing to hold the set plate (10) are formed by a locking stud (19) which extends from the base (15) and which is susceptible to engage under pressure in one of several of holes of the upper strand (B) of the bracelet. 